Lead Teacher - Toddler I / II

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

The primary responsibility of the Toddler I / II Teacher is the care and education of the children enrolled in his or her classroom. The Toddler I / II Teacher must meet all licensing qualifications for the state of Georgia. He or she reports to the Project and/or Center Directors of Day-Star Christian Academy. He or she must undergo annual performance evaluations and complete state-mandated professional development/trainings. He or she is responsible for the expressed duties and responsibilities below and other duties as assigned.

• Ensure the safety of each child inside and outside of the classroom, throughout the building, and on the playground.
• Plan through weekly lesson plans and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will include the areas of physical, emotional, social and cognitive needs of each child.
• Maintain a clean, safe, structured, and healthy classroom environment.
• Be willing to care for the physical, social, and emotional needs of the children, which will include changing diapers, lift/carry infants or toddlers when necessary, serving meals, encouraging children's social and emotional confidence/skills, redirecting and/or modeling appropriate behavior, and interacting with each child on a daily basis through circle time, centers, music/play, meals, outside/playground time, free play, etc.
• Be aware of child abuse, neglect, and licensing regulations and immediately report any signs of abuse or neglect to the Site Director.
• Be able to administer first aid, CPR, or promptly respond to an emergency involving a child at any given moment.
• Immediately document and report any incidents or accidents to the Center Director.
• Meet all reporting, processing, and submission deadlines given.
• Create and maintain an aesthetically appealing room, which can include pictures of each child.
• Be willing to serve as a floater and/or work with children of all age groups.
• Complete all required training.
• Display a positive and professional attitude and behavior at all times.
• Maintain prompt hours/schedule and notify the Center Director in the event of tardiness or illness.
• Maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance according to personnel policies.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings.
• Follow all state and Quality Rated policies and procedures as well as personnel policies and procedures outlined in the Day-Star Christian Academy staff handbook.

• Preferred but not required at the time of hire: minimum of a CDA/TCC in Early Childhood Education (aka ECE) or an ECE-related field or willingness to enroll in CDA-granting class within 30 days of hire and obtain CDA within 90 days or fewer.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must pass a full criminal background check and health/drug screening.
• CPR/First Aid certified (must not be expired or be willing to renew).
• Passionate about early childcare and delivering high-quality care to children and families.
• Friendly personality; must be able to relate well to both children and adults.
• Must be flexible and willing to work in different classrooms and at different times when needed.
• Must be willing to fulfill his/her responsibilities in accordance with Day-Star Christian Academy, Inc., Quality Care for Children (Quality Rated), and Bright From the Start's philosophy, policies, and procedures.

Must have a passion for early childhood education and want to serve children and families in at-risk, low-income communities, an exceptionally warm, friendly, and optimistic personality, and exceptional customer service skills that include tact, patience, empathy, honesty, and kindness. Enjoy interacting with children and their families. Excellent organizational, classroom management, and time management skills. Have the ability to handle confidential information, listen attentively, be mentally and verbally agile, and use strong, effective communication. Must be able to work with staff, children and families from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Must be a self-motivated, creative, and innovative professional with the ability to solve problems with creativity and civility. Have the ability to manage daily tasks in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while paying close attention to details. Must have availability during weekdays Monday-Friday between 8:00 am to 6:30 pm and available for monthly staff meetings in the evening.

Physical Demands:

Work is typically performed inside and outside a classroom environment with the employee constantly standing or moving around with intermittent sitting. The employee may have to lift light to medium weight objects (~20-35 lbs).

Documentation Required:

Completed application, cover letter & current resume with references, in-person interview (upon request), criminal background check & fingerprinting (upon job offer), orientation and training (upon job offer), health and drug screening (upon job offer and ongoing during employment)

Bilingual (preferred not required), has worked in small, private daycare centers, familiar with and/or live in or near the College Park, GA area

• Performance-based bonuses
• Professional development and continued education support
• Travel reimbursement for training
• "Staff of the Year" recognition & award
• Unemployment benefits
• Free meals